Pages

29 Jun 2015

Petr Cech's open letter to Chelsea fans

New Arsenal signing Petr Cech has written an emotional open letter to Chelsea fans after his £11 million move to the Emirates Stadium was confirmed.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper brought to an end an 11-year spell with the Blues after falling behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Highlighting his desire to stay in the Premier League and thanking staff and supporters for their work together over the years, Cech posted the message on social media as his transfer was announced.

Cech's letter: "I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea. The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in July 2004, the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will. "Since 2004 it has been an incredible journey with so many highs and not many lows. We have managed to win every single English trophy as well as the Europa League and the biggest of all - Champions League. Looking back at all the achievements, including our first-ever league double in 2010, back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, and multiple EPL and FA Cup wins, I couldn't be more proud! As a team we made history together! "Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the first-choice keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go. During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and as I know I am not at the stage of my career when I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges. "The limited playing time gave me the chance to refresh and rest mentally as well as make me realise just how much I enjoy playing football at the highest level, because I missed it badly every game day I was not involved. I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career and I love the challenges brought by the top-quality players you face while playing the Premier League - simply the best and the most challenging league in the world. "That's why I spoke to Mr Abramovich about me staying in the Premier League and I'd like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support in this matter. It means so much to me because without him Chelsea would not be where it is now. He deserves huge credit for what he has done for the club and for all of us. "I would like to personally thank everybody involved with Chelsea for their support - all the players, staff, managers and all the coaching staff I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. Without them it would have been impossible for us to have achieved such success. "But most important of all - a huge thank-you goes to all the Chelsea fans. I did everything for you and you gave me your love back. I'll never forget it. It will stay with me forever. We will meet again but this time I will be in the other goal - I hope you will remember our history and understand it is time for me to begin a new adventure. "I wish everybody at Chelsea all the best for the new season and for the future. Thank you for an incredible 11 years."